Victoria Theatre (Halifax)

Victoria Theatre in Halifax, West Yorkshire, England is a large theatre that opened in 1901.

History

The theatre was first opened on 1901-02-08, when it was known as the Victoria Hall. In 1960 the hall was purchased by Halifax Borough Council who, after an extensive alteration and repair programme, converted it into a theatre and changed the name to The New Victoria.cite web|url=http://www.calderdale.gov.uk/leisure/entertainment/victoria-theatre/index.html|title=Victoria Theatre|publisher=Calderdale Council|accessdate=2008-04-23]

In 1973 the name was changed to The Civic Theatre, before being renamed The Victoria Theatre in 1993.

The main auditorium has a capacity of 1,568 fully-seated (or 1,860 part-standing), and has hosted many high profile and international performers in addition to supporting a wide range of local community events and activities.

Notable performances

On 1957-03-10, Chris Barber's Jazz Band played at the venue, with Ottilie Patterson, and on 1961-05-19 Acker Bilk performed. [cite news|url=http://www.halifaxcourier.co.uk/features/Engelbert-one-of-the-highlights.3564863.jp|title=Engelbert one of the highlights of my life...|publisher=Evening Courier (Halifax)|date=2007-12-07]

In 2004 British rock band Status Quo first performed at the theatre, and have made frequent visits to the venue. [cite news|url=http://www.halifaxcourier.co.uk/music/Status-Quo-rock-back-to.3924887.jp|title=Status Quo rock back to Halifax|publisher=Evening Courier (Halifax)|date=2008-03-28] They will be returning on 2008-10-12 as part of their "Pictures: 40 Years of Hits Tour 2008". [cite web|url=http://www.statusquo.co.uk/fc_tour08.html|title=Tour Dates 2008|publisher=Status Quo Official Site|accessdate=2008-04-23]

In 2006 the theatre hosted a number of famous acts, including Embrace, with tickets selling out in just four hours following the success of their 2006 FIFA World Cup anthem "World at Your Feet", and Morrissey, who's tickets sold out even faster. Elkie Brooks, Jo Brand, an adaptation of Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book, the Chuckle Brothers and illusionist Derren Brown. [cite news|url=http://www.halifaxcourier.co.uk/news/Top-acts-now-attracted-to.1433796.jp|title=Top acts now attracted to revitalised Victoria Theatre|publisher=Evening Courier (Halifax)|date=2006-04-06]

Renovations

Calderdale Council invested in the theatre, performing major improvements to the theatre building, including new toilets and cloakrooms, rewiring and adding a VIP suite. The council also outfitted the stalls with new seats at a cost of £335,000. [cite news|url=http://www.halifaxcourier.co.uk/news/Victoria-Theatre-faces-cash-crisis.1899548.jp|title=Victoria Theatre faces cash crisis|publisher=Evening Courier (Halifax)|date=2006-11-27]

According to theatre manager Tim Fagan, the work was performed over a ten year period and, once the programme was completed the theatre received positive comments from the acts appearing on stage. The management team hope to stage some Agatha Christie adaptations, as well as possibly inviting the National Theatre Company or the Royal Shakespeare Company to perform. Mr. Fagin would also like to host more rock and pop events, and to support local musicians and bands. [cite news|url=http://www.halifaxcourier.co.uk/features/39I39m-so-proud-of-Victoria.3445527.jp|title='I'm so proud of Victoria Theatre facelift'|publisher=Evening Courier (Halifax)|date=2007-11-07]

References

External links

* [http://www.calderdale.gov.uk/leisure/entertainment/victoria-theatre/index.html Calderdale Council website: Theatre page entry]